The Kyle Tucker free agency rumors are heating up. Some reports are even suggesting he could sign somewhere by the end of the week. All offseason, Tucker has been consistently linked to the New York Mets, the same team that signed Juan Soto to a 15-year, $765 million deal last offseason.
If New York were to land Tucker, he would likely slot into left field, keeping Soto in right, with Carson Benge getting the call in center.
The Mets reportedly met with the former Cub over Zoom last week, first reported by Mark Sanchez of the New York Post. While Tucker’s market remains unclear, New York reportedly offered a short-term deal worth roughly $50 million per year, according to Robert Murray of FanSided.
UPDATE
The Mets have offered $50 million per season on a short-term contract to Kyle Tucker, per @ByRobertMurray pic.twitter.com/CJE8TnuAvA
— SleeperMets (@SleeperMets) January 13, 2026
Kyle Tucker Rumors: Mets Become a Frontrunner in Tucker Sweepstakes
As of now, three teams are the top contenders: the Mets, the Los Angeles Dodgers, and the Toronto Blue Jays. Both New York and Los Angeles are reportedly willing to pursue Tucker on a short-term, high-annual average value (AAV) contract, while Toronto is reportedly more open to a long-term deal.
So far, the Mets are the only known team with a formal offer on the table, one that would pay Tucker $50 million annually, likely with opt-outs built in.
UPDATE
The Mets and Kyle Tucker met over Zoom last week, per@MarkWSanchez
(H/T @DanBartels2 ) pic.twitter.com/MKbj8SulzA
— SleeperMets (@SleeperMets) January 13, 2026
A $50 million AAV would make Tucker the third-highest-paid player in Major League Baseball, trailing only Juan Soto ($51 million), whom the Mets signed last offseason.
Tucker, who turns 29 on Jan. 17, would immediately elevate the Mets’ lineup, particularly after the departure of Pete Alonso. He’s coming off an injury-affected season in which he hit .266 with a .377 OBP, 22 home runs, and 73 RBI across 136 games.
The former Gold Glove winner also brings elite defense and speed, swiping 25 bases last season. For his whole career, Tucker has been one of baseball’s most consistent pure hitters, owning a .273 average, .358 OBP, and .865 OPS.
Simply put: if the Mets land Kyle Tucker, they can toss nearly every lingering offseason concern out the rearview mirror.
The 2026 Mets
Acquiring Tucker would instantly improve the Mets offensively. Francisco Lindor would remain in the leadoff spot, followed by Juan Soto and Tucker, giving New York arguably the best 1-2-3 punch in baseball.
The additions of Jorge Polanco and Marcus Semien further stabilize the lineup, providing balance and depth throughout the middle and back end. At full strength, the projected lineup could look like this:
Mets lineup with Kyle Tucker:
1) Francisco Lindor (SS)
2) Juan Soto (RF)
3) Kyle Tucker (LF)
4) Mark Vientos (DH)
5) Jorge Polanco (1B)
6) Francisco Álvarez (C)
7) Brett Baty (3B)
8) Marcus Semien (2B)
9) Carson Benge (CF)(H/T @DanBartels2 )
Better than last year. pic.twitter.com/fn8AMP0M8e
— SleeperMets (@SleeperMets) January 13, 2026
Even with Tucker in the fold, however, work remains. The starting rotation is still a major question mark, and a bullpen with noticeable holes could use several upgrades.
With weeks remaining in the offseason, David Stearns appears to have finally awakened from his winter slumber.
Main Photo Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images